As a parent, it can be heart-wrenching to watch your child struggle in school. Whether they’re facing academic challenges, social difficulties, or behavioral issues, knowing how to support them effectively can make a world of difference. If your child is having a tough time in school, here are suggested next steps what you can do next to help them thrive.
1. Observe and Document
Spend some time observing and documenting your child’s struggles. Note any difficulties with reading, math, or concentration as well as any behavioral or social challenges. You know your child best! What happens at home is an extension of school. Does your child meltdown with homework? Are you seeing they struggle to retain information? Do they express negative thoughts about themselves? This is all relevant information to share with your child’s teaching team.
2. Talk to Your Child
Involve your child in this process by having an open and supportive conversation with them. Ask them about their feelings towards school and what they find challenging. Understanding their perspective can provide clues about the underlying issues and show your child that you’re there to support them. Helping them to advocate for themselves is a life skill!
3. Speak with Their Teacher
Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss your concerns. Teachers can offer valuable insights into how your child is performing in the classroom and may provide suggestions for improvement. They might also share their observations and any interventions they’ve already tried. Partnering with your child’s teacher is a crucial component of their educational journey.
4. Explore Interventions
Before considering formal special education evaluation, schools often implement a variety of interventions to support struggling students. These may include:
- Classroom Accommodations: Adjustments like extended test-taking time, preferential seating, or modified assignments can help address specific learning challenges.
- Additional Support: Schools may offer extra help through tutoring, reading programs, or small group instruction.
- Behavioral Strategies: For behavioral or social challenges, strategies such as positive reinforcement, behavior charts, and social skills training can be effective.
Discuss these options with your child’s teacher and school counselor to find out what interventions might be appropriate for your child. This is where parent advocacy is essential. Many schools will need a formal diagnosis to provide accommodations when, in theory, supporting student needs should be best practice.
5. Request a Special Education Evaluation
If, despite interventions, your child continues to struggle, it might be time to consider a special education evaluation. This evaluation assesses whether your child has a disability that impacts their learning and determines their eligibility for special education services. Here’s how to proceed:
- Make a Formal Written Request: Submit a written request to the school for a special education evaluation. This request should outline your concerns and the reasons for seeking an evaluation. The school will have no more than 15 school days to respond to your request. The evaluation process must conclude, in its entirety, within 60-days of the written request. It is a lengthy process! For more detailed information, here is the link the the Arizona Department of Education’s timeline.
6. Understand the Evaluation Results
After the evaluation, the school will hold an Eligibility meeting to discuss the findings. This meeting will:
- Review the Evaluation Results: Understand the specific needs and challenges identified in the evaluation.
- Determine Eligibility: Decide if your child qualifies for special education services based on the results.
- Develop an IEP: If eligible, create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines tailored goals, accommodations, and services to support your child’s learning needs.
Remember, you are your child’s most important advocate. Stone Educational Advocacy & Consulting is here to help!